Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a drought
    • ex. Farmers lost many crops during the drought because there was not enough rain.
  2. roam
    • ex. The cows roam around the farm during the day.
  3. a sighting
    • ex. The sighting of a rare bird attracted many visitors to the forest.
  4. typically
    • ex. The bat is typically active at night and rests during the day.
  5. tranquilize
    • ex. The workers tranquilized the lion so they could move it safely while it slept.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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A drought in the Rocky Mountains has reduced nuts, berries, and plants that bears eat. As a result, black bears are beginning to roam farther to find food. Colorado officials say bear sightings and conflicts with people are now about twice the average number. Hungry bears have also been seen in areas where they are not typically found.

Bears are finding food near homes and cars. Open trash bins attract bears the most, but pet food and fat left on barbecue grills also bring them close to homes. In one Colorado case, a black bear opened a Toyota SUV and became trapped inside. Wildlife officials tranquilize and move bears away from towns. However, bears that associate people with food may be killed.

Black bears avoid people and are less dangerous than grizzly bears. Still, they can attack. In June, a black bear followed and injured someone hiking in Colorado. More than 30 bears have been killed in Utah this year, while 187 have been killed in New Mexico. Experts note that climate change is destroying bear habitats and creating dangerous conditions for both humans and wildlife.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Bears

  • According to the article, bears that associate people with food may be killed. What do you think of this action? Discuss.
  • Where are bears commonly seen in your country? Discuss.
  • If bears began roaming into neighborhoods in your country to look for food, how would your local community respond? Discuss.

Wildlife Habitat

  • A person in Colorado was injured by a black bear while hiking. Do you think people should stop going to places where wild animals live to stay safe? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The article says that changes in the environment are making it harder for bears to find food and stay in their natural habitats. Do you think people should change some of their everyday habits to help protect local wildlife? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your country, how does the government protect wildlife habitat and the people living near them? Discuss.